Apparatus and method for sequestering flue gas CO2

Abstract

A fluidized bed reactor device for sequestering flue gas CO2 from a flue gas source is provided. The fluidized bed reactor device comprises an operating portion having a first end and a second end. A flue gas inlet is formed at the first end of the operating portion with the flue gas inlet receiving flue gas from the flue gas source. A flue gas outlet formed at the second end of the operating portion. A distributor plate is mounted within the operating portion adjacent the first end of the operating portion. A volume of fly ash is encased within the operating portion between the second end and the distributor plate with the flue gas traveling through the distributor plate and the fly ash creating reacted flue gas wherein the reacted flue gas exits the operating portion through the flue gas outlet.

Description

[0001]The present application is a continuation of International Application PCT / US2006 / 049411, with an international filing date of Dec. 28, 2006, which claims benefit of priority of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 755,959, filed on Jan. 3, 2006, entitled “Method for Sequestering Flue Gas CO2”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for sequestering flue gas CO2 and, more particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for sequestering flue gas CO2 having a fluidized bed reactor for simultaneously capturing and mineralizing coal combustion flue gas CO2,[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Atmospheric CO2 (g) is indispensable for physical, chemical, and biological processes which occur in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere of the planet Earth. During the past 150 years, atmospheric CO2 concentration increased approximately 30 percent, due to burning of fossil f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The fluidized bed reactor effectively captures and mineralizes coal combustion CO2, increasing inorganic carbon content in fly ash by a factor of thirty, reducing greenhouse emissions and stabilizing ash for safe disposal or reuse.

Problems solved by technology

However, all of the above techniques have their own drawbacks.

For example, these techniques are energy extensive and produce additional by-products which require special handling and disposal methods.

However, previous batch laboratory experiments have experienced diffusion limitations—that is, the CO2 may not efficiently contact the ash sample.

In addition, nothing exists to simultaneously capture and mineralize coal combustion flue gas CO2 with fly ash or bottom ash under actual plant combustion conditions.

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